Edge Autonomy has released upgraded versions of the company’s portable pneumatic catapult systems for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The catapults are available in rail lengths of 4 or 6 metres, with significantly increased available launch energies of up to 11 kJ and 16 kJ respectively.
The new 4-metre catapult is now 85% more powerful than the previous version, and the 6 meter catapult has gained an additional 35% energy increase. The enhanced power is due to a complete redesign of the pneumatic system, which now provides a pneumatic pressure of up to 16 bars. The new system enables the user to launch UAVs with weights of up to 60 kg to a maximum launch speed of 26 m/s.
The Portable Pneumatic Catapult system package includes rugged catapult rails with aircraft carriage, an electrically-powered air compressor with a tank, and an advanced electronic control station for increased safety. The complete system is packed into standard shippable size rugged transportation cases, and can be deployed by one technician in less than half an hour. The standard carriage fits Edge Autonomy’s Penguin C Mk1 and Mk2 UAS platforms, and the company also offers a carriage customization service for OEM customers.
The pneumatics-based design of Edge Autonomy’s catapults provides enhanced reliability, efficiency and precision, resulting in reliable and consistent launch under a wide range of ambient temperatures and pressures. An additional “Desert” option provides extra protection from dust or sand while also simultaneously expanding the operating temperature range of the catapult.
